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An urban development initiative driven by public objectives
Hammerfest has always been a city of pioneers. In 1891, for example, Hammerfest was the first in Northern Europe to install electric street lighting. Since then, the use of new technology and innovation has remained a key part of the city's identity. Today, we generate significant value through our rich access to natural resources and companies that explore sustainable ways to harness them. Havnekvartalet is set to become a central hub for continued development and value creation — supporting the city's role as a center for forward-looking industry.
The people of Hammerfest have rebuilt their city from ruins multiple times — most recently after World War II. On this rocky Arctic outpost, we’ve declared: this is our home! A place where we can thrive from childhood to senior years. Havnekvartalet will develop future-oriented housing concepts along the city’s waterfront. The area will also serve as an urban meeting place for both residents and visitors — offering a welcoming gateway for travelers, attractive workplaces, and services that foster vibrant city life and well-being for all.
Hammerfest is known as the Gateway to the Barents Sea, with oil, gas, and fisheries as its largest export industries. But Hammerfest is also a commercial hub, a travel destination, and a city with a broad and diverse business landscape. Havnekvartalet will offer modern office facilities where professionals from various fields can meet and collaborate — fostering synergy, knowledge-sharing, and an attractive work environment that encourages people to work and settle in the city.
Hammerfest once had one of the most polluted harbors in the country and was ordered by the state to clean it up. The Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) took over project management of the “Clean Harbor Project,” which was completed in 2024. The contaminated seabed material was removed, collected, and deposited in large silos — now forming the foundation for new quays. This represents a major boost for the city’s maritime infrastructure. Havnekvartalet will serve as a transport hub for green mobility, where cruise passengers, coastal voyagers, and express boats arrive, and where electric buses provide land-based transport. The development of Havnekvartalet will follow new and sustainable solutions.
Hammerfest has been an important cargo and trading port for over 200 years. In 1789, it was among the first towns in Northern Norway to be granted city status, along with Vardø. As a result, the city center is located close to the harbor, and the waterfront promenade remains one of the city’s most treasured assets. With everything within walking distance — cafés, local services, outdoor dining in the midnight sun, and quick access to the nearby islands via express boat — the harbor is deeply integrated into everyday life. Havnekvartalet aims to build on these qualities and develop a district that serves and belongs to the people of Hammerfest.
The original site housed a terminal building for handling cargo bound for ships, as well as the offices of Hammerfest Havn.
According to the new plans, only light cargo will be handled at the central quay, as we now have other quays at Fuglenes and Leirvika capable of managing heavier freight.
As a result, only a small terminal building for port logistics will be needed at Havnekvartalet.
The municipality intends to use the remaining space for urban development and to create a new public area for people to enjoy.
With the planned site expansion, there will be sufficient room for several new buildings. The development is expected to occur in four phases, with the terminal and office building likely starting first.
We aim to develop the terminal building as a commercial property with office spaces — ideally organized in industry-specific clusters.
One idea is to establish a “House of Energy” for companies operating in the energy sector, or those serving as subcontractors.
Additionally, we envision creating a Seafood Cluster.
We also plan to create a dedicated visitor venue, centered around a new attraction: an experience and learning center about the Arctic Ocean — the foundation of our way of life. Learn more about the project here.
A new hotel, residential apartments, and what we call a “wild card” are intended as a public health initiative — serving the local community and visitors alike, possibly in the form of a cultural or sports facility. Read more about our thoughts behind it here.
Havnekvartalet still offers great flexibility within the outlined project goals. Get in touch for a non-binding conversation about the possibilities — your business might just be a perfect fit.
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